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Homeowners may not
pave along street

Question: We now have grass planted in the area between the street and the sidewalk at the front of our home. I would like to cement the area so we do not need to upkeep this section. What is the city or state policy on this? I have heard of people being fined for cementing their driveways to even it up with the road because, in some subdivisions, the curb to the driveway is very steep.

Answer: The short answer is that you are not allowed to pave the area between the sidewalk and a city street.

In the past, the city often approved a variance and building permit for homeowners to pave the grassy planting strip between a concrete sidewalk and city street, noted Weston Wataru, chief of the Permitting and Inspection Section of the city Department of Planning and Permitting's Civil Engineering Branch.

However, he said, new standards were established in 2000 to create greener city streets, by reducing pavements and providing larger planter areas for ground cover and street trees. Because of this, applications to pave those areas are generally no longer approved, Wataru said.

Meanwhile, you would need a building permit to modify or widen a driveway apron.

"Additional approvals may be required if special site conditions, such as the slope of the ground, necessitate a deviation from city standards," Wataru said.

If a homeowner fails to get the proper approvals, the city will issue a notice of violation. The owner then must either obtain the approvals after the fact, or restore the area to its original condition, paying for all costs, Wataru said.

He reminds homeowners that the sidewalk area, or the area between the curb line/pavement of a roadway and the abutting property line, is owned by the city. That area is intended for pedestrian and utility use and subject to all city standards and regulations, he said.

For more information, check the Department of Planning and Permitting's Web site -- www.honoluludpp.org -- or call the department at 523-4921 or 523-4922.

Q: I'm an avid Rainbow sports fan, especially for University of Hawaii women's volleyball and basketball played in the Stan Sheriff Center. When our teams make a comeback, the band plays the "Fight Song" and goes into a frenzy of music and song. I've always wanted to join in but I -- and, I'm certain, very many others -- don't know the lyrics. Can you please print the UH "Fight Song" for thousands of us who are too timid to ask for the words?

A: Next time you go to the Stan Sheriff Center, raise your voice proudly to these words:

"Here's to our dear Hawaii
Here's to our Green and White
Here's to our Alma Mater
Here's to the team with fight
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Here's to old warriors calling
Here's to old battles won
Here's to Hawaii's victory
Here's to each valiant son."

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